RAGBRAI Riders Will Stay Connected Across Iowa With Verizon Wireless' Enhanced Network Support

DES MOINES, IA — Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless voice and data network, will boost network capacity in cities and highways along this year’s route for the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI®) July 25-31.

In addition, the company will deploy temporary cell sites, known as Cells on Wheels (COWs) or Cells on Light Trucks (COLTs), in four communities:

• Clear Lake, July 27, COW near U.S. Highway 18 and Interstate 35;
• Charles City, July 28, COLT near U.S. Highway 18 and Clark Street;
• Waterloo, July 29, COLT near U.S. Highway 219 and U.S. Highway 20; and
• Manchester, July 30 COW near State Highway 13 and the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

Verizon Wireless’ fleet of COLTs and COWs provide service at special events, such as RAGBRAI, that demand additional network capacity. These temporary cell sites are equivalent to the highest capacity stationary site presently in Iowa and are able to process thousands of calls every hour. They are primarily designed for use when natural disasters or other unplanned events interrupt wireless voice and data service, such as the Iowa floods in 2008.

“As the official wireless provider for RAGBRAI, we are committed to serving our customers as well as the ride organizers along this year’s route,” said Seamus Hyland, president – Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. “Based on our research, we anticipate each of these Iowa communities will experience more than double the wireless phone usage during the ride’s tour stops than would occur during an average summer day. We are prepared to deliver the best wireless network and services for visitors, journalists and local residents.”

Heading into its 38th year, RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world. RAGBRAI’s 10,000 riders will attract an estimated 10,000 viewers at most stops along the route.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving nearly 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 81,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia. 

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